More Than Half of Freed Hijack Hostages Returning to Afghanistan
Seventy-three Afghans, more than half of the hostages from last week’s plane hijacking, were flying home today on a chartered aircraft.
Britain was examining political asylum requests from 69 other freed hostages, while 19 men were under arrest in connection with the hijacking. Some were due to appear in court today.
Only hours before the 73 headed home, British officials said just 17 of the freed hostages had indicated that they wanted to return to their war-ravaged country.
Some media reports said the increase in the number followed assurances about personal safety from the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
The hijacking became a major political issue in Britain after media reports during the four-day standoff suggested that it was a scam by the hijackers and that many of those on board wanted to seek asylum.
The drama ended peacefully on Thursday.
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